Don't be fooled into thinking that animal shelters and pet rescues are filled with dogs or cats that were discarded because they are "bad". Shelter pets are wonderful companions who became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners.

SAVING LIVES:When you adopt a pet from Safe Haven, you are saving lives. That's right: lives, as in more than one. We know... you only want to adopt one dog or cat, right? Adoption saves more than just the life of the pet you adopt. If you adopt from Safe Haven, you're making room for another dog or cat. You are allowing us to rescue another dog or cat for adoption at a public shelter, which, of course, saves the life of that little guy plus the lives of others at that shelter by creating space so new pets can be kept longer. As you can see, adoption is truly a continuous cycle of saving lives and it's the right thing to do!

INSTANT FRIENDS:Ask anyone who has adopted a pet, and they will tell you that their bond with their rescued pal is as deep as they come. When you open your heart and your home to a pet who needs help, they really show their appreciation for the rest of their life! Dogs or cats who have been uprooted from their homes, or have had difficult beginnings are likely to bond completely and deeply with their new human caretakers, whom they regard as heroes. Puppies and kittens who find themselves in a shelter due to a death or other tragedy in their former human family usually go through a mourning period. Once they are adopted, however, they usually want nothing more than to please their new hero---YOU! No matter what circumstances brought them to the rescue, most cats and dogs for adoption are exceptionally affectionate and attentive. They long to be loved and make extremely loyal companions.

UNDERSTANDING THE RESPONSIBILITY:Adopting a pet is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—over 15 years in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a lifetime commitment to care for the animal. A pet is not something that can just be tossed aside when you don't have time or it isn't fun to take care of anymore.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs and cats cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals are in the shelter because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under five years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a pet. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down might be a wiser decision.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. You must also provide your pet with love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and other essentials

PALS FOR LIFE:Sure, there's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there just as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt!

Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.